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BRIEFLY: New Chevy Bolt, NHTSA Probes Tesla, Audi A4 EV & more | 11 Oct 2025

BRIEFLY: New Chevy Bolt, NHTSA Probes Tesla, Audi A4 EV & more | 11 Oct 2025

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About this episode

The latest updates in the EV world include the announcement of the new Chevy Bolt, which will be the most affordable electric vehicle in the U.S. with improved charging capabilities and a new tech stack. The NHTSA has launched an investigation into Tesla's full self-driving features after reports of dangerous incidents. Other highlights include Audi's plans for a new A4 EV by 2028, Kia's trial of battery passports for real-time monitoring, and Nissan's LEAF pricing in the UK. The episode also touches on industry reactions to Germany's combustion engine ban and advancements in EV battery longevity.

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Car

Chevy Bolt

"...news of the new bolt announced at the end of this week. The new Chevy bolt is going to be a really big deal because it will become the United States cheapest electric vehicle and the specs are really good."

The Chevy Bolt is a small electric car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being one of the cheaper electric cars available in the U.S.

Term

LFP

"...but it's gone LFP in terms of its chemistry, which is cheaper."

LFP means Lithium Iron Phosphate, which is a type of battery used in electric cars. It's cheaper and safer than some other types of batteries.

Term

kilowatt

"It also charge a lot faster, 150 kilowatt plus, that's two and a half times faster than the old bolt."

A kilowatt is a way to measure how much power something uses or produces. In electric cars, it helps to show how quickly the car can charge its battery.

Car

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

"...ou look at the pictures and think that's the same bolt EUV, well, you'd be right. They've used the same she..."

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a type of electric car that looks like a small SUV. It runs on electricity instead of gasoline, which means it's better for the environment and can save you money on fuel. It's designed to be roomy and comfortable for families or anyone who needs extra space.

Term

tech stack

"...but with a vastly different tech stack underneath running Google operating system."

A tech stack is like a toolbox of different technologies that work together to make something function. In cars, it includes the software and systems that help the car run and operate.

Term

EV purchase incentives

"Germany has committed three billion euros to new EV purchase incentives for low and middle income households."

EV purchase incentives are discounts or money given by the government to help people buy electric cars. This makes it cheaper for buyers and encourages more people to switch to electric vehicles.

Term

NHTSA

"The NHTSA, the US Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation this week into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles."

The NHTSA is a government agency in the U.S. that makes sure cars are safe to drive. They look into problems with cars and help keep drivers safe.

Term

ADAS

"...the NHTSA has opened an official investigation into cars misbehaving when they're using Tesla's ADAS systems."

ADAS means advanced systems in cars that help drivers. They can make driving safer and easier by doing things like keeping the car in its lane or helping with parking.

Company

Kia

"Kia is trialing cell level battery passports and this would be a way to have real time updates as well on your battery pack, but that's cell level."

Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of vehicles. They are known for offering good value and have been improving their cars a lot.

Term

battery passport

"Kia is trialing cell level battery passports and this would be a way to have real time updates as well on your battery pack, but that's cell level."

A battery passport is like a digital ID for a car battery. It keeps track of important information about the battery, helping to ensure it's used and recycled properly.

Concept

Volkswagen's SSP platform

"Audi's A4 will return in 2028 on Volkswagen's SSP platform. So that'll be a fantastic vehicle..."

The SSP platform is a system that Volkswagen uses to build different electric cars. It helps them make various models more easily and efficiently.

Car

Audis A4

"Audi's A4 will return in 2028 on Volkswagen's SSP platform. So that'll be a fantastic vehicle. No doubt fast charging, big range..."

The Audi A4 is a car that combines luxury and performance. The new version coming in 2028 will likely have better electric features, like faster charging and longer battery life.

Term

BEVs

"BMW Group is up in Q3, 10% up on BEVs, pure electric vehicles, about 400,000..."

BEVs are cars that run only on electricity, using batteries instead of gas. They are better for the environment and are becoming more common.

Brand

BMW

"BMW brand EVs have been sold in Q3."

BMW is a well-known car company from Germany that makes luxury cars and electric vehicles.

Car

Nissan Leaf

"Nissan's LEAF gets its UK pricing with the expected four grand off with the government grant."

The Nissan LEAF is an electric car that is known for being affordable and practical. A new version is coming out in 2026.

Concept

2035 combustion ban

"...their latest language around the 2035 combustion ban, Germany starting to push back on that saying our auto industry could be harmed because of it."

The 2035 combustion ban is a plan in Europe to stop selling new cars that use gasoline or diesel by the year 2035. This is to encourage the use of electric cars instead.

Term

megawatt charging

"...but look at China, they're megawatt charging their cars already..."

Megawatt charging is a very fast way to charge electric cars, allowing them to get a lot of power quickly. It's much faster than regular charging stations.

Term

EV battery pack

"...the average EV battery pack is on track to last 20 years before it moves on to its second life..."

An EV battery pack is like the fuel tank for electric cars, storing the electricity they need to run. They can last a long time before they need to be replaced.

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